Most people aren't particularly fond of doing their taxes. But Chris and Dave Gospodarek have always found it interesting.

Because of that interest, the Appleton couple decided to give their time at tax season to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program.

“I like working with numbers,” said Dave, 69, who has finance degree.

For her part, Chris, 67, worked at a credit union for over 20 years.

“It’s not scary to us,” she said of filing taxes.

VITA is a nationwide program of the Internal Revenue Service designed to help low- and moderate-income, disabled or non-English speaking taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. Locally, the organization serves clients at the Goodwill Community Center on Appleton Road in Menasha.

The couple retired in 2010 and, after catching up on projects at home, they found they were looking for volunteer opportunities.

At VITA, Chris is a greeter, making sure clients qualify for the program and have their social security card before handing them an intake form.

“We try to make their filing process as easy as we can,” she said.

The time commitment for VITA is ideal too, she said. They are busy for two to three months in the first part of the new year, which is generally a slow time for the Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity, where they have volunteered the last six years on the Senior Crew; her providing site support and him with the building.

“It’s a great way to help fill your day,” said Chris of VITA. “One day a week can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Dave goes over the intake forms with the taxpayer to make sure they have all the documents needed and to determine which volunteer can prepare it.

He enjoys working with the other volunteers and says VITA “keeps me busy."

“You get a sense of self-worth out of it,” he added. “People are so appreciative you can find them a refund. I just feel we are giving them a very worthwhile service.”

Chris enjoys the interaction with the clients.

“Sometimes the process can be long,” she said. “They are just appreciative.”

Chris said she would like to see other retirees volunteer their time somewhere one day a week.

“It makes you feel so good,” she said.

Dave said it is common for retirees to want to kick their feet up and relax. Through volunteering “you are helping the community,” he said. “It doesn’t cost you anything but a little time.

And Dave and Chris said they like the opportunities to volunteer at the same place.

“We aren’t always doing the same things,” said Chris. “With VITA, we can do that together as a couple and hope to continue to do that as long as we can.”

Jackie Zolp, VITA site coordinator, said the Gospodareks demonstrate a great teamwork in the service they provide.

“Dave and Chris are passionate about helping others and serving the community, and it is evident in the way they treat everyone with respect and kindness, as well as in their dedication to the work that they do,” she said.

For volunteer information for VITA, contact Zolp at the Goodwill Menasha office at 920-968-6021 or email jzolp@goodwillncw.org. Also visit www.filetaxesfree.org.

Linda Dums can be reached at pcfeatures@postcrescent.com

Meet the volunteers

Each Friday on the Good Neighbors page we introduce you to a volunteer in the Fox Valley. If you want to nominate a volunteer, send details to pcfeatures@postcrescent.com.